Hurting Teng says Icons need mental toughness

"But we just need to keep on improving and move on ... Mental toughness (ang) kailangan ma-work namin together as a team. We have to stick together," says Informatics guard Jeric Teng. Jerome Ascano

INFORMATICS stalwart Jeric Teng knows the Icons have nothing to blame but themselves as the team suffered a second straight overtime loss in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup, 77-84, this time at the hands of Café France Tuesday.

The Icons led majority of the way and even held a 56-45 lead entering the fourth quarter, where the Bakers outscored them 21-10, to forge the extra period at 66-66.

Café France then scored nine straight unanswered points to start the extra five minutes, 75-66, and clinched its first win in two outings. In the process, the Bakers snapped a five-game losing streak dating back last conference.

“It’s a tough loss especially two consecutive game na kami natalo in a close game,” said Teng, recalling Informatics' overtime loss to Boracay Rum last week, 85-93.

Although disheartened, the young gunner, who finished with 22 points, five rebounds, and two assists, is keeping his head up and trying to move on from the disappointing experience.

And the University of Santo Tomas star shooting guard knows exactly what the team needs to get on the winning track.

“We just need to keep on improving and move on,” he said. “Mental toughness (ang) kailangan i-workout namin together as a team. We have to stick together with our game plan.”